Denver Nuggets Center Nikola Jokic Makes Strong Case for MVP Three-Peat

The Boston Celtics jumped out to a sizzling start led by star forward Jayson Tatum. Tatum emerged as a slight favorite at +280 odds during November when the high-octane Celtics obliterated every team in their path.

in December that coincided with a winning streak for the Mavs. It looked like Dončić was running away with the MVP race at +275 odds. But Jokic has been outstanding in recent weeks.

Jokic averages 24.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, 9.8 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. He s just shy of averaging a triple-double this season. He recorded a triple-double in three out of his last four games.

It s not uncommon for a star to win consecutive MVP awards, but it s a ridiculous feat to pull off three-straight MVPs. Only three players in NBA history won the MVP in three consecutive seasons, including Bill Russell (196-63), Wilt Chamberlain (1966-68), and Larry Bird (1984-86).

Several players came close to winning three in a row since Bird pulled off a three-peat in the mid-1980s. However, the likes of Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, Steve Nash, LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Antetokounmpo all fell short of the mark, and could only win back-to-back MVP awards.

Jokic doesn t have history on his side, which is why he was only +900 odds to three-peat as MVP at the start of the season.

At the end of November, Jokic found himself eighth overall on the NBA awards board at DraftKings at +2000 odds to win the MVP. Of course, the Joker was just warming up.

Mid-way through January, Jokic saw his MVP odds improve to +170 with Dončić right behind him at +250.

Jokic appeared in eight games in January, and the Nuggets are 7-1. He s shooting 53.3% from 3-point range, and 64% from the floor in January. He s actually averaging a triple-double in January with 20.9 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 11.3 assists per game.